Living Faith: Actions That Reflect Our Beliefs
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. What a week it has been! We didn't get power back until Friday, and as you can see, there were trees down everywhere. One of the arches was even knocked down across the driveway. But here we are, gathered to talk about faith in real life, specifically saving faith, as we delve into the book of James.
James 2:14 asks, "What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?" This question sets the stage for our discussion today. Saving faith is not just about believing the right things; it’s about living out those beliefs through actions. If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and you say to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and be filled," but do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? Faith without works is dead.
We are called to be more like Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:12 tells us that we are under no obligation to live according to the flesh. If we live according to the flesh, we must die, but if by the Spirit we are putting to death the deeds of the body, we will live. Being a Christian means striving to overcome sin, not being complacent with it. Sin is in opposition to God's plan for our lives, and we should never be okay with it.
James 2:19 says, "You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe and shudder." This verse highlights the difference between mere belief and saving faith. Demons have right beliefs about God but shudder in fear because their destiny is sealed. Their belief does them no good. Similarly, knowing the right facts about God is not enough; we must have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Abraham is a prime example of faith in action. He was justified by works when he offered up Isaac, his son, on the altar. His faith was working with his works, and as a result, his faith was perfected. This story is a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is built upon saying "yes" to Him. When God called Abraham, he obeyed. When God calls us, we must also say "yes."
Jesus said, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple." This strong language emphasizes the priority that our relationship with God should have over all other relationships. It’s not about loving our family less but about loving God more.
The story of Abraham and Isaac is a foreshadowing of God's ultimate sacrifice. On the same hill where Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, God provided His only begotten Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins. This act of love and sacrifice is the foundation of our faith. Jesus bore the iniquity of us all so that we could become friends of God.
In conclusion, saving faith is a continual "yes" to God. It’s not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to live out our faith through our actions. As we go about our week, let us strive to be more like Jesus, putting our faith into action and saying "yes" to God in every area of our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Without Works is Dead: True faith is not just about believing the right things but living them out through our actions. James 2:14-17 emphasizes that faith without works is dead. If we claim to have faith but do not help those in need, our faith is useless. Our actions should reflect our beliefs, demonstrating the love and compassion of Christ to others. [38:31]
2. Overcoming Sin Through the Spirit: Romans 8:12 teaches us that we are under no obligation to live according to the flesh. Being a Christian means striving to overcome sin, not being complacent with it. Sin is in opposition to God's plan for our lives, and we should never be okay with it. Instead, we should rely on the Holy Spirit to help us put to death the deeds of the body and live a life that honors God. [49:12]
3. The Difference Between Belief and Saving Faith: James 2:19 highlights that even demons believe in God and shudder. Mere belief is not enough; we must have a personal relationship with Jesus. True faith involves knowing God and living in obedience to Him. It’s about more than just knowing the right facts; it’s about letting those truths transform our lives. [50:50]
4. The Priority of Our Relationship with God: Jesus taught that our relationship with God should take precedence over all other relationships. This doesn't mean we love our family less, but that we love God more. By putting God first, we become better spouses, parents, and friends. Our relationship with God should be the foundation upon which all other relationships are built. [01:06:00]
5. The Ultimate Sacrifice: The story of Abraham and Isaac foreshadows God's ultimate sacrifice. On the same hill where Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, God provided His only begotten Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins. This act of love and sacrifice is the foundation of our faith. Jesus bore the iniquity of us all so that we could become friends of God. [01:12:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[32:30] - Baby Dedications
[37:58] - Introduction and Recent Events
[38:31] - Faith in Real Life
[49:12] - Overcoming Sin Through the Spirit
[50:50] - The Difference Between Belief and Saving Faith
[01:06:00] - The Priority of Our Relationship with God
[01:12:00] - The Ultimate Sacrifice
[01:16:12] - Continual Yes to God
[01:18:13] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. James 2:14-17 (NIV): "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
2. Romans 8:12-13 (NIV): "Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."
3. James 2:19 (NIV): "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder."
### Observation Questions
1. According to James 2:14-17, what is the relationship between faith and works? How does James illustrate this relationship? [38:31]
2. In Romans 8:12-13, what does Paul say about living according to the flesh versus living by the Spirit? [49:12]
3. What does James 2:19 suggest about the nature of belief and its insufficiency for salvation? [50:50]
4. How does the story of Abraham and Isaac in James 2:21-22 demonstrate faith in action? [39:22]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize that faith without works is dead? How does this challenge common perceptions of faith? [38:31]
2. What does it mean to "put to death the misdeeds of the body" as mentioned in Romans 8:13? How can this be practically applied in a believer's life? [49:12]
3. How does the comparison between mere belief (as even demons have) and saving faith in James 2:19 deepen our understanding of what true faith entails? [50:50]
4. In what ways does the story of Abraham and Isaac serve as a foreshadowing of God's ultimate sacrifice? How does this story enhance our understanding of obedience and faith? [01:02:40]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you claimed to have faith but did not follow through with actions. How can you ensure that your faith is accompanied by works in the future? [38:31]
2. Romans 8:12-13 speaks about overcoming sin through the Spirit. Identify a specific sin or habit you struggle with. What steps can you take this week to rely on the Holy Spirit to overcome it? [49:12]
3. James 2:19 highlights the insufficiency of mere belief. How can you move from simply knowing about God to having a personal relationship with Jesus? What practical steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [50:50]
4. Jesus said that our relationship with God should take precedence over all other relationships. How can you prioritize your relationship with God in your daily life? What changes might you need to make? [01:06:00]
5. The story of Abraham and Isaac is a powerful example of obedience. Think of a situation where God is calling you to say "yes" to Him. What is holding you back, and how can you overcome this hesitation? [01:02:40]
6. How can you demonstrate the love and compassion of Christ to those in need this week? Identify one person or group you can help and plan a specific action to assist them. [38:31]
7. Reflect on the concept of a "continual yes" to God. What areas of your life have you been saying "no" to God? How can you start saying "yes" and align your actions with His will? [01:16:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith in Action
True faith is demonstrated through our actions.
Faith is not merely about holding the right beliefs; it is about living out those beliefs in tangible ways. James 2:14-17 challenges us to consider the practical implications of our faith. If we see a brother or sister in need and do nothing to help, our faith is dead. True faith compels us to act, to show love and compassion to those around us. It is not enough to wish someone well; we must be willing to meet their needs. This is the essence of living faith—faith that is alive and active, reflecting the love of Christ in our daily lives. [38:31]
James 2:14-17 (ESV): "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Think of a specific person in your life who is in need. How can you show your faith through a concrete action to help them today?
Day 2: Overcoming Sin Through the Spirit
We are called to overcome sin by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 8:12 reminds us that as Christians, we are not obligated to live according to the flesh. Living according to the flesh leads to death, but living by the Spirit leads to life. Being a Christian means actively striving to overcome sin, not being complacent with it. Sin is in direct opposition to God's plan for our lives, and we should never be comfortable with it. Instead, we should rely on the Holy Spirit to help us put to death the deeds of the body and live a life that honors God. This is a daily battle, but one that we are empowered to fight through the Spirit. [49:12]
Romans 8:12-13 (ESV): "So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."
Reflection: Identify one area of sin in your life that you struggle with. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you overcome this sin starting today?
Day 3: The Difference Between Belief and Saving Faith
Saving faith involves a personal relationship with Jesus, not just belief.
James 2:19 points out that even demons believe in God and shudder. This highlights the difference between mere belief and saving faith. Knowing the right facts about God is not enough; we must have a personal relationship with Jesus. True faith involves knowing God and living in obedience to Him. It is about more than just intellectual assent; it is about letting those truths transform our lives. Saving faith is characterized by a deep, personal connection with Jesus that influences every aspect of our lives. [50:50]
James 2:19-20 (ESV): "You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?"
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. Is it merely intellectual, or is it a personal, transformative relationship? What steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him today?
Day 4: The Priority of Our Relationship with God
Our relationship with God should take precedence over all other relationships.
Jesus taught that our relationship with God should be the most important relationship in our lives. This doesn't mean we love our family less, but that we love God more. By putting God first, we become better spouses, parents, and friends. Our relationship with God should be the foundation upon which all other relationships are built. This means prioritizing time with God, seeking His will, and allowing His love to flow through us to others. When we love God above all else, it transforms our other relationships for the better. [01:06:00]
Luke 14:26-27 (ESV): "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."
Reflection: Consider your current relationships. Are there any that you prioritize over your relationship with God? How can you reorient your priorities to put God first?
Day 5: The Ultimate Sacrifice
God's ultimate sacrifice is the foundation of our faith.
The story of Abraham and Isaac foreshadows God's ultimate sacrifice. On the same hill where Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, God provided His only begotten Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins. This act of love and sacrifice is the foundation of our faith. Jesus bore the iniquity of us all so that we could become friends of God. This incredible act of love calls us to respond with a continual "yes" to God, living out our faith in gratitude for what He has done for us. [01:12:00]
Isaiah 53:5-6 (ESV): "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Reflection: Reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus. How does His sacrifice impact your daily life? What is one way you can live out your gratitude for His sacrifice today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I'm a friend of God because Jesus took my sin for me, and he died my death for me, and he rose from the dead to prove it and to defeat death, hell, and the grave. So, Father, in Jesus' name, we receive your work, and we just say to you, yes, yes, I want your work in my life. Yes, I want your will in my life. Yes, I want your purpose in your life. Yes, I want your forgiveness in my life. Yes, I want your destiny, your plan. I want your kingdom come, and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." [01:18:13]
2. "The God of the universe, the most important person that, you know, it's a person, it's the only way to say it, the most important person, not even in the universe, in eternity, in all of existence, all of time, all of eternity, the God of the universe wants to be your friend. Isn't that amazing? And that's one of the, that's one of the evidences of faith is that you have a friendship relationship with God that you recognize that he wants to be your friend." [01:01:24]
3. "Jesus loves your God. Jesus died on the cross for you. Or there was a guy in the end zone that had John 3 16. And you said, what's that? And you looked at your Bible. You asked somebody, everybody knows what John 3 16 is. For God's love of the world. He gave his only begotten son, whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. And you heard that. And God used that to create faith. It wasn't your faith. It was his faith. And with that faith, when he called your name and said, I want you, you said me." [47:52]
4. "A Christian is not someone who just knows the right facts about God. That's demon faith. A Christian is someone who has come to know God through a personal relationship with Jesus. I bet you know people, you've talked to people, and you started trying to share your faith with them or talk to them about Jesus, and it was a little scary because they knew more of the Bible than you did. They could quote stuff to you and you'd think, oh, man, I didn't know that. They knew the Bible better than you did. The problem is they don't know the author of the Bible. They don't know God." [53:43]
5. "So James is quoting Jesus. Jesus said, you shall love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. And then Jesus is quoting Leviticus. Leviticus says, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. So that's not New Testament law. That's Old Testament law. You have to love your neighbor as yourself. And he said, you need to be a friend of the poor. He says, God chose the poor. So God's chosen the poor because the poor have always responded better to the gospel because they recognize they have a need." [54:29]
### Quotes for Members
1. "So God tells Abraham, take your son, your only son, and offer him as a sacrifice on the mountain that I'm going to show you. That's crazy because this is the son of promise. And you read that and think, what is that? What is this all about that God tells Abraham to take his only son and take him up on the mountain and offer him as a sacrifice? That's crazy. It's the son of promise. But Abraham, Abraham packs up as a mule and he packs up Isaac and the wood for the sacrifice. And he takes the trip up to the mountain. At some point, Isaac says, hey, uh, uh, what's up dad? Uh, uh, I, I noticed that we've got wood for the fire and we've got the ability to make a fire, but we don't have a sacrifice for the fire. A little concerned here. And Abraham says, the Lord will provide. The Lord himself will provide." [01:02:40]
2. "So when he's walking the shores of Galilee, he looks up and he sees a guy fishing, and he says, hey, if you'll follow me, I'll make you a fisher of men. And Peter's thinking, I don't even know what that means. Okay. And he follows him. And later he passes by Matthew, who's collecting taxes, working for the Romans. And he says, hey, you, come and follow me. And he says, yes. And that's the mark. That's what it means to be a follower of Christ, is that you begin with a yes. With the faith that he gives, you say yes to Jesus. And the reality is, just like he called all of them, he calls all of us. I can tell you the day and the moment when Jesus called my name. Do you remember that? Changed my life just like that." [01:14:18]
3. "So James is agreeing with Jesus. Jesus said, John 14, 15, if you love me, you'll keep my commandments. John 14, 21. He who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. And he who loves me, we'll be beloved by my father and I'll love him and I will disclose myself to him. John 14, 23, Jesus answered and said, if anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my father will love him. And he will come to me and make our abode with him." [44:03]
4. "So just think about this as we close with this. I'm winding it down. So just, we're almost there. Just hang on. Dinner's coming. Lunch is coming. So you begin the story. God calls Abraham out of Ur of the Chaldees and he calls him. He says, in you, he gives this promise to Abraham, in you, all the nations of the world will be blessed. And so we have this story that begins in Genesis of God calling and Abraham's, he's the father of our faith. He's not a great role model. He's a mess. He does a lot of stupid things. And then you can follow the story. And then God calls other people and his son, you know, Isaac, then Isaac has a son named Jacob, and then he's a mess. And then they're all messes. And you think, why does God work with such messed up people? Because it's the only kind there are." [01:10:13]
5. "So we're looking at, what does real faith look like? What does it look like to be a real believer? And so last week we talked about, what does a community of believers, because he talks about the assembly, what does a community of believers look like, and how do we live that out? How can we, you know, because faith is individual, right? I mean, you individually have a relationship with Christ, but you're also called into community. So it's, you don't live out your faith by yourself, you live it out in community. So how do we then as individuals, individuals, that are being transformed, because God's changing us, you know, God's messing with us. You know, I've often said, you know, God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you too much to leave you that way. So we're being transformed, so we want to be a community that's being transformed." [41:15]
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